10/24/2014 11:15 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Backstreet Boys have finally scored legal victory ... snagging the rights to the master recording of one of their biggest songs in a battle that raged on for years.

The "Boys" have been battling ex-manager Lou Pearlman's bankruptcy estate ... and it was agreed this week they'd get the masters to some of their songs -- including "I'll Never Break Your Heart."

The Boys claimed they were owed nearly $3.5 mil ... but the bankruptcy trustee for Lou's case said they lacked the proof to back up that claim. A judge ordered both sides to work it out earlier this year ... and according to court docs, they did just that.

So the boy band will receive $99K ... as well as possession of some master recordings -- including a few lesser known songs and live recordings.

They also received a VHS copy of "Star Trek Adventure" ... whatever that is.

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7/30/2014 12:30 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

The Backstreet Boys love their fans in Israel, but they love their families more -- which is why they regretfully cancelled a bunch of concerts there, according to A.J. McLean ... who's standing firm on NOT choosing a side in the conflict.

We saw McLean in Malibu Tuesday and he explained that if the cease fires had held, BSB might have gone through with what would've been their first shows ever in Israel this week.

A.J. reveals when they're planning to reschedule, and adds he's praying for both sides, because ... "You can't pick a side."

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9/23/2013 12:30 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Backstreet Boy﻿﻿Brian Littrell is sticking it to everyone hating on the tiny West Hollywood home he just sold -- cause it was only a back-up ... to his PHAT MANSION!!

Turns out Brian and his wife are also sitting on a 15,000 square foot palace in Georgia that's straight outta "Gone with the Wind" -- but better, 'cause this place has a lake, a recording studio AND tennis court.

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4/22/2013 12:40 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Everybody, Backstreet's back ... like it's the year 2000 ... because this weekend, hordes of fans lined up around the block outside an L.A. theater just to catch a glimpse of the iconic boy band.

Sure, they were probably mostly women aged 30-40 ... but it still counts.

FYI, the Backstreet Boys were celebrating their 20th anniversary (yes, you're old) at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood Saturday ... and fans were invited to attend for free ... which explains the shockingly huge line.

Fans were also invited to take photos with the band, but that privilege cost $150.

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1/14/2013 2:45 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

Ryan Gosling could've ... and SHOULD'VE ... been a member of the Backstreet Boys -- this according to actual Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean.

FYI -- McLean and Gosling go WAYYYY BACK ... they were friends when they lived in the same apartment building when Backstreet was first getting together ... right around the time Gosling joined the "Mickey Mouse Club."

Gosling recently gave an interview saying he used to tell A.J. he didn't think the band had a shot in hell of making it big, 'cause it seemed like a New Kids ripoff ... obviously, Gosling was wrong.

When BB blew up, Gosling says he tried to reach out to A.J. (probably to kiss his ass and beg for a job) ... but McLean never returned his calls.

But this weekend, A.J. says it MUST have been a misunderstanding -- insisting he never INTENTIONALLY blew off The Gos ... he just doesn't have Ryan's digits.

In fact, A.J. says he wants Gosling to join the group -- saying Ryan not only has a killer voice, but he's damn handsome to boot (duh).

We're guessing Gos will probably turn down the offer ... he's doing pretty well on his own.

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12/22/2012 4:00 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

EXCLUSIVE

It's official: the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys can't be held responsible for brain trauma -- at least, according to a judge who dismissed the bands from a $5 million lawsuit filed by an injured stagehand ... TMZ has learned.

TMZ broke the story in July ... William Wesley Styron sued NKOTBSB for injuries he allegedly suffered when he fell through a hole in the stage prior to a 2011 concert.

Styron said he fractured his skull and suffered brain trauma from the fall ... and was looking for a cool $5 million from the bands and other parties who he held responsible.

NKOTBSB denied the allegations, claiming it wasn't their fault Styron didn't see the huge hole in front of him ... and it looks like a judge agreed ... ruling that responsibility for the fall lies with the production company who hired him -- not the bands themselves.

The judge promptly dismissed the case against NKOTBSB, finding they "owed no duty to plaintiff that was breached when he was injured."

11/5/2012 4:45 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

The entire band -- even Kevin -- threw on their obligatory ugly winter outfits for a performance of their new Christmas song at Disneyland this weekend ... sparkly sweater, checkered jacket, scarf, etc.

For the record, it was 94 DEGREES in Anaheim yesterday.

We're told the performance was pre-recorded for an upcoming Xmas special.